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4/25/2014 1:16PM

Ukraine Changes Course in Slovyansk Operation

Ukraine decided not to continue a military advance on the eastern city of Slovyansk, currently being held by pro-Russian separatists, after Russia activated the thousands of troops it has stationed just across the border. Photo: AP

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

... the rule I the eye ... the Ukrainian government released this footage on Friday military operations a day earlier against roadside checkpoints manned by pro Russian separatists on the outskirts The the arts ... the city at the heart of the pro Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine ... several separatists were killed in fire fights on Thursdays Ukrainian forces overran three of the checkpoints ... strong condemnation from Russia which immediately begin new Lynden Air military drills close to the border of eastern Ukraine ... Billy USG's James Marson reports the Ukrainian officials say they are now in a second phase of the upper it's ... trying to isolate Slovyansk with the blockade ... rather than confronting pro Russian militants inside the city and are risking civilian casualties ... there were no reported clashes on Friday and little sign on the ground the Kiev was moving forward with what it calls its antiterrorist operation ... Ukraine is wary of provoking Russia to say they will defend ethnic Russians in the region ... this is the Foreign Bureau ... WSJ's global news update ...